Please note: this event has passed
This panel and practitioner dialogue examines Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) as a concrete framework through which agency is operationalized in contexts of conflict and insecurity. Drawing on African and comparative cases, the event explores how communities, local civil society actors, and international partners mobilize nonviolent strategies, social legitimacy, and relational resources to prevent violence, protect civilians, and contribute to sustainable peace, without reliance on armed force.
Engaging directly with Africa Week’s guiding question, the discussion will reflect on the human, social, and institutional foundations that enable community-led protection. Panelists will consider how local actors exercise protective agency, the normative and organizational conditions that allow UCP initiatives to function and scale, and the ideational dimensions of agency, particularly local understandings of security, protection, and legitimacy. The dialogue will also address the opportunities and challenges of integrating community-based protection into broader peace and security architectures.
Key Themes
- Human and social resources that underpin protective agency without arms
- Institutional and normative conditions enabling UCP effectiveness and scalability
- Ideational dimensions of agency and locally grounded conceptions of protection
- Pathways for integrating community-led protection into national and international peace frameworks
Format
A moderated panel bringing together scholars and practitioners, followed by audience engagement. The event can be hosted online or in a hybrid format, subject to logistical considerations.
About the speakers
Prof James Kiven Kewir, is Professor of Conflict Prevention and Regional Integration and Research Hub Leader for Central Africa, African Leadership Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. He is also the Head of Department, International Relations and Conflict Resolution at the University of Buea, Cameroon.
Prof Gordon Crawford, Research Professor in Global Development, Centre for Peace and Security, Coventry University, UK. PI in the Cameroon project of the Creating Safer Space network funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Also PI in the AHRC-funded project on “Voices from 'Ground Zero': Interrogating History, Culture and Identity in the Resolution of Cameroon's Anglophone Conflict”. Nationality: British.
Dr Albert Mbiatem, currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution at the University of Buea, and as Research Coordinator at the African Leadership Centre (ALC) in Nairobi. He also chairs the Board of Trustees at People Earthwise. In 2022, Dr. Mbiatem was awarded the prestigious Peter da Costa Postdoctoral Fellowship at the ALC. He brings extensive experience as an international consultant and researcher in the fields of peace and security, having collaborated with numerous organizations, among which are IGAD, AfriCOG, and the AHRC. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Dschang, and a Master’s degree in Security, Leadership and Society (with distinction) from King’s College London. Dr. Mbiatem has published widely across various platforms, including academic books, peer-reviewed journals, and policy blogs, with a focus on leadership, peace, and security in developing contexts.
Dr Nancy Annan, Assistant Professor, Centre for Peace and Security, Coventry University, UK. She holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies and has been the Co-Investigator in the Cameroon project funded by the Creating Safer Space Network on Unarmed Civilian Self-Protection and Research Fellow in the AHRC-funded project on “Voices from 'Ground Zero': Interrogating History, Culture and Identity in the Resolution of Cameroon's Anglophone Conflict . Her work spans research, training, and development in several countries. She has authored several publications on peacebuilding, unarmed civilian protection, peace support operations, and women peace and security. Nationality: Ghanaian.
Dr Bernard Nsaidzedze Sakah, Managing Director, Big Steps Outreach Network (BONET), Bamenda, Northwest Region, Cameroon, and lecturer Heritage Higher Institute for Peace and Development Studies, Cameroon. Nationality: Cameroonian.
Ms. Atim Evenye Niger-Thomas, Executive Director, Authentic Memorial Empowerment Foundation (AMEF), Kumba, Southwest Region, Cameroon. Nationality: Cameroonian.
About King's Africa Week
Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.
King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.